the process of maintaining common files and data across multiple devices so that all copies are up to date

cloud computing

allows data and services to be delivered to any Internet-connected device; computing environment where software and storage are provided on the Internet and acccessed over the Web, requiring very few resources to be installed or stored on the user's computer, and providing access from any Internet-connected device

hardware

the tangible parts of computer systems and typically includes support for processing, storage, input, and output

processing

carries out the instructions provided by software using specially designed circuitry and a well-defined routine to transform data into useful outputs

Central Processing Unit (CPU) (cores)

a group of circuits that perform the processing in a computer, typically in one integrated circuit called a microprocessor

most microprocessors contain mulitple cores:

dual core (2 processors)

quad core (4 processors)

Moore's Law

states that the number of transistors on a chip will double about every two years

motherboard

the primary circuit of a computer to which all core components are connected including the CPU

connects all of a computer's components together and enables them to communicate

bus

subsystem on the motherboard that transfers data among system components

storage

the ability to maintain data within the system temporarily or permanently

Random access memory (RAM)

temporary, or volatile, memory that stores bytes of data and program insturctions for the processor to access

Video memory (video RAM/VRAM/graphics memory)

used to store image data for a computer display in order to speed the processing and display of video and graphics images

Read only memory (ROM)

software stored in ROM in many different types of digital devies is sometimes called firmware; firmware may be updated over time to correct bugs or provide additional functionality

provides permanent storage for data and instructions that do not change

firmware

programs and data from the computer manufacturer, including the boot process used to start the computer

magnetic storage

storage technology that uses the magnetic properties of iron oxide particles to store bits and bytes more permanently than RAM using magnetic properties rather than electric charges

optical storage

media, such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs, store bits by using an optical laser to burn pits in to the surface of a highly relfective disc

a pit rep. a 0

lack of a pit rep. a 1

solid-state storage

device stores data using solid-state electronics such as transistors, rather than the magnetic technology of disks or tape, and does not require any moving mechanical parts

cloud storage

refers to storing data files over the internet (the cloud), using Web-based services, rather than on your own computer

input/output

the manner in which data is received into a computer system, and the manner in whch information and the results of processing are provided to the user from a computer system

input device

assists in capturing and entering data into a computer system

general-purpose input device

device that is designed to be used for a wide variety of computing activities

special-purpose input device

designed to provide input for one specific type of activity

output device

allows a user to observe the results of computer processing with one or more senses

video card (graphics card)

combines video processing and storage onto an expansion card, or integrated onto the motherboard to manage video images for display

display

provides visual computer output for observation on a monitor or screen

printer

an output device dedicated to providing a specific type of computer output on paper or three-dimensional output in plastic

expansion

refers to a computer's capacity to interface with a variety of external devices such as I/O devices, network devices, and storage devices, by connecting through ports, slots, and wireless technologies

software

refers the the electronic instructions that govern a computer's actions to provide a computing service

software engineering

the systematic process of transforming a softwareidea into functional software

incorporates the following processes:

computer programming

programming languages

application programming interface

aquiring software

refers to the several methods by which software can be purchased or accessed, such as off-the-self, custom-designed, or Web-based (cloud computing)

off-the-shelf software

the software that is mass-produced for use by the general public and made available through online outlets or retail stores

system requirements

usually printed on the outside of the box that contains the software of on the Web page form which you download the software

custom designed software

software created to meet a unique need; typially used in busniness, custom-designed software can give a business a competitive advantage

software license

defines the permissions, rights, and restrictions, assigned to the person who purchases a copy of software

freeware

software that is made available to the public for free

open-source software

distributed, typically for free, with the source code so that it can be studied, changed, and improved by its users

system software

any software that coordinates the activities of the hardware and assists the computer in functioning effectively and efficiently

boot process

also known as booting, or booting up, or bootstrapping, is the sequence of instructions in the BIOS that are executed when a computer is powered on to check the system and load the operating system into memory

operating system (OS)

a set of computer programs that runs or controls the computer hardware, and acts as an interface with both application programs and users

user interface (UI)

allows one or more people to have access to and command of a computer system or computer software

file management

the physical and logical storage system and practices provided for managing data on a computer

utility software

any system software besides the OS that assists in maintaining, managing, and protecting computer syste resources

application software

consists of programs written to perform tasks or solve problems for people, groups, and organizations

productivity software

any software designed to help individuals be more productive; often used in reference to sofware suites that inlude word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software

an increasing amount of software is avialable online, often for free. RIAs provide convenient services without a cumbersome installation procedure; has the power ad funcitonality of a desktop appliation, but is delivered over the Web and used in a Web browser window

managing software

refers to activities required to install, maintain, and remove software from a computer system